The Race to Save the Cougar Ace

On July 23, 2006 the Cougar Ace, a 654-foot car carrier owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, reported to the Coast Guard that they were taking on water and listing 80 degrees. The Singapore homeported vessel, carrying 4,813 vehicles, was enroute to Vancouver B.C.

In a dramatic rescue, the Coast Guard was able to successfully remove all 23 crewmembers from the ship.

Joshua Davis of Wired tells the story of how a crew from Titan Salvage were able to save the ship, although they lost one of their own in the process. Take some time and check out
High Tech Cowboys of the Deep Seas: The Race to Save the Cougar Ace. It’s long but well worth your time.